Getting started: A typical mail server

The main performance parameters of the mail server should include: SMTP letter efficiency, POP3 efficiency, e-mail efficiency under Web mail, mail Server message forwarding efficiency, and so on. Here are a few of the major factors that we consider affecting the overall performance of the mail server.

1, the impact of server configuration level. The server's configuration level is one of the main factors that affect the performance of the mail server, including processor performance, memory capacity, SCSI or IDE transfer rate and disk read/write speed, network adapter maximum throughput, and so on, so that the server's configuration is at a higher level. Of course, if dynamic load balancing technology is adopted, the hardware configuration of the mail server can be extended to meet the changing business needs.

2, the impact of network bandwidth. The bandwidth of the network determines the level of network communication. In the advent of the broadband era, but also to solve the problem of the bandwidth of the mail server, for the network load larger users still need to send the support of telecom service providers.

3, the impact of the operating system. Currently the more popular operating system is UNIX, Linux and Windows systems, these systems are different, the different operating systems in the processing mechanism is often likely to cause the performance of the mail server system differences.

4, the impact of mail design technology. Whether to use LDAP protocol or database method for user login authentication and management, and whether to use SSL/TLS to encrypt processing, provide anti-virus module, virus processing mechanism and so on, are the main factors that affect server system performance. We should find the best point for the performance of the mail server on the basis of ensuring the product function, security and stability.

5, the User Configuration level impact. Because most of the mail server parameters can be adjusted, therefore, the user operators also have higher requirements, the level of user configuration is also an important factor affecting the use of mail servers.
below to introduce several commonly used mail server software products for the Framework mail server reference.

1, SendMail under the Unix environment

SendMail is a very good software, both in terms of the extent of use and the complexity of the code. If you use it to build your Web site's e-mail system, you don't have to worry about it, because almost all of Unix's default configurations are built with this software, and you just have to set up your operating system so that it works immediately. In Unix systems, SendMail is the most widely used e-mail server. It is a freeware software that can support thousands of or even more users, and consumes very little system resources.

However, the SENDMAIL system structure is not suitable for the larger load, for the high load of the mail system, need to sendmail complex adjustment.

2, Postfix and qmail under the Linux environment

The postfix structure consists of more than 10 small modules, each of which completes a specific task, such as receiving a message via the SMTP protocol, sending a message, passing a message locally, overriding an address, and so on. Postfix use multiple layers of protection against attackers to protect the local system, postfix faster than similar server products faster than three times times, a desktop installation postfix can send and receive millions of letters a day.

The design techniques of the Web server are used in the postfix design to reduce the process creation overhead, and some other file access optimization techniques are used to improve efficiency, while ensuring the reliability of the software. Postfix's design goal is to be a substitute for sendmail. For this reason, many parts of the postfix system, such as local delivery programs, can easily be replaced by editing a configuration file similar to inetd.

QMail is based on dividing the system into different modules, there is responsible for receiving external mail, the management buffer directory to send the message queue, there is the message sent to the remote server or local users of this principle to design, qmail is to solve the sendmail security problems, The whole system structure has been redesigned. Security issues are particularly considered in the design implementation. The qmail configuration is inconsistent with sendmail and is therefore not easy to maintain. and QMail's copyright license is so vague that it doesn't even publish it with the software.

The modular design method of Unix thinking makes QMail have high performance, QMail also provides some very useful features to enhance the reliability of the system, in addition, QMail also has some very chic features, it not only provides a sendmail compatible way to handle forwarding, Aliases and other capabilities, and can be used to sendmail completely different ways to provide these capabilities.

3, Sun's iplanet messaging Server

IPlanet Messaging server is a powerful, reliable, high-capacity Internet Mail server designed for businesses and service providers. Messaging server uses a centralized LDAP database to store user, group, and Domain information. It supports standard protocols, multiple domain names, and webmail, with strong security and access control.

IPlanet Messaging Server can support tens users as an open, scalable, internet-based, high-performance Telecommunications platform for communication. Its main features are authorization management, virtual host and virtual domain, powerful and easy to expand. Operators will benefit from their value-added services, including mail, wireless technology and integrated information services such as integrated information systems.

4, IBM's Domino mail server

The Domino mail server provides a unified architecture that can be used for e-mail, Web Access, online calendar and group scheduling, collaborative workspaces, bulletin boards, and newsgroup services. From Lotus Notes to Web browsers to Outlook and PDAs, unmatched mobility and support for a wide range of clients enables users to send and receive information securely, anytime, anywhere.

Domino mail servers can operate on the enterprise's existing hardware, software, and network and seamlessly interoperate with other communication systems through open standards. Centralized desktop control, information tracking and monitoring, and remote server management capabilities enable stable IT support for regional offices and further reduce cost of ownership. Optimized add-on products such as desktop faxing and integrated document management programs can enhance the value of the system and extend the communication infrastructure of the enterprise.

5. Microsoft Exchange Server

Microsoft Exchange Server is a host-side intranet Collaboration Application server that is suitable for users with a variety of collaborative requirements. The starting point for Exchange Server collaboration applications is the industry-leading message Exchange Foundation, which delivers the industry's strongest scalability, reliability, and security, and the highest processing performance. Exchange Server offers rich collaborative applications ranging from e-mail, meeting scheduling, group scheduling, task management, document management, live conferencing, and workflows, and all applications can be accessed from an Internet browser.

Exchange server is a well-designed mail server product that provides all of the messaging features you normally need. In addition to the regular Smtp/pop protocol service, it also supports IMAP4, LDAP, and NNTP protocols. There are two versions of the Exchange Server server, the Standard Edition includes Active Server, the Network news service, and a series of interfaces to other messaging systems; The Enterprise Edition includes the Standard Edition features, as well as IBM OfficeVision, X.400, VM, and An e-mail gateway for SNADS Communications, which supports Web browser based mail access.